Flashback
Throne Room
"We have to attack!", the council shouted. There are also angry mob supporting the idea. "If we attack, do you have any idea how many lives will be taken?", Theodore bit his lip. "Was there any difference when you ordered a mock war in Ludwig town?", one of them raised his hand. "See, Your Majesty. This is just another sacrifice we need to do for our motherland", they all bowed for him to consider the all out war.
"Currently, we have 100,000 soldiers in the capital and nearby towns. If you are to summon everyone, we have half a million. That includes the new recruits. Your Majesty, are you willing to let these people join the war?", Keanne knelt. He turned and looked at Eleanor standing on the door. Keanne also looked at the direction of his stares. "Let me consider these matters", Theodore ended the council meeting.
Everyone except the two stayed behind. Keanne poured a drink for the King. Theodore removed his crown and his cloak. "I am no King, Keanne. I am just a coward who wanted to run away from the sin I committed few years ago. I know that we have to avenge for the loss that we had a month ago but these cycles will never end", Theodore punched the wall. "You are always so soft, Your Majesty. My wife loves that about you. You would cry for a single soldier who died in a battle. If you continue being so, your heart will explode in no time", Keanne had a weak smile. There was a knock on the door. Keanne opened and saw Eleanor.
"I request a private meeting with the King", Eleanor had her head bowed low. Keanne nodded then allowed her to enter. He leaned on the wall beside the door. Eleanor knelt before Theodore. "Your Majesty", Eleanor called on him. Theodore patted the lady's head. "You're getting taller, Elly. What matters brought you here?", Theodore asked. "I refuse to let the new recruits join the battle. They are inexperienced and those soldiers have family", Eleanor raised her head. "Order a special unit that will infiltrate the kingdom. If we are to perish in that mission, then you may proceed to an all out war", Eleanor suggested. Theodore's eyes widened. "We?", he looked at Keanne with a surprised look. "What are you say-", Keanne grabbed Eleanor's arm making her stand. The man's heart broke to see Eleanor's dead eyes. "I will accomplish my responsibility as a soldier", she said in a weak voice.
Shiraiah's Room
She cried continuously as Keanne explained the plan. "She wanted to die, right? She wanted everything to end already. Keanne, we have to take her away from this place", Shiraiah clenched on the man's shirt. "She don't deserve this kind of life. If only I was able to bore a son", Shiraiah punched her stomach. Keanne hugged her tight. Lost of words, he just held his wife tightly.
Outside the Room
Eleanor reached her hand towards the door. Ever since the mock war, she wasn't able to look at Keanne's eyes. She also haven't visited Shiraiah for a proper talk. Since she's wearing a night dress, she can see her arms. It's unscathed and she doesn't have any visible scars due to her mother's herb. Shiraiah consistently ask the doctors to tend Eleanor's wound immediately. Tears fell on the ground. Would it be selfish for her to plan her own death?
Road- Few days after
Eleanor rode her horse. Her eyes felt heavy. "Water?", an older soldier offered. Eleanor took it and drank. "I don't think another war will happen after this. What will you do after?", he asked. Eleanor stared at the bag of water. She knows its not possible. War just gives birth to another tragedy and as long as people seeks for power, another battle will break out. "Knight Oliver, how long have you been a soldier?", Eleanor asked. "About two decades already", he answered. "Have you been killing people for two decades as well?", the lady didn't hesitate to ask. Oliver understand what she is trying to say. A heavy hand dropped on Eleanor's shoulder.
